Patience can sometimes feel like a punishment. Oh yes it does have its own sting. Waiting is not fun. It has its shake-up which is very unique. Growing up I learned how to go fishing at Lake Victoria. I tagged along with our house helper. In all I learned that without knowing where you are headed you will not be able to find your direction and without knowing your direction you are definitely assured of getting lost. There are times when we would go fishing and for weeks, and catch nothing. That meant that we had to go back day by day with the hope of catching some fish. We used hooks and bait to catch the fish. There were times we would bait our hooks but the smart fish would eat the bait without our knowledge and the hook would lie bare. When we lifted the pole and drew the line out, we would find that we had been wasting time all along. Let me tell you something. If you are not a patient person fishing is not for you.
Misses were assured. Sometimes we would catch fish but as we drew it out, it would shake and fight for its life and jump off the hook and fall back into the lake, one had to draw the fish out with very gentle hands and patiently so as not to lose it. Salvation also requires patience. When I look at the bible and flip through the pages. Name any one whose story in the bible is worth a story of heroic exploits and I will point out patience at the center of it all. Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Mordechai, Elijah the list is endless. Patience sharpens faith. I have been reminded once that the longer the wait the sweeter the victory.
Christianity and Patience
As Christians we are called to be patient as we go about our lives and the walk of salvation. Patience is no punishment but rather the bread of the process towards being prepared for an assignment of God’s work. I will draw out one scripture here that got Saul in big trouble. His impatience cost him the kingship and his entire bloodline; no one was going to hold the fountain of honor to lead Israel, God’s chosen nation. He donated his choices and valuable gift from God and it went just like that! 1 Samuel 15:1-35. I will quote 1 Samuel 15:26-28- “You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors–to one better than you.”
Another inpatient person we read bout in scripture was Esau. He sold his birth right for just a bowl of soup. Can you imagine? Genesis 25:29-34- “Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.”
Oh, patience is potent. It has saved destinies and legacies. What key lessons do we learn from being patient? That in the wait, there lies the moments of clarity. In the wait, there lies the opportunities of humility, in that wait, there lies the ideals of reflection, in the wait there lies the pinnacle of exactitude, In the wait there lies the essence of purification, in the wait there lies the nobility of the majestic. Patience has its place in the tool kit of God and he uses it to shape, sharpen and stewards those he loves.
Let’s learn to be patient It pains but paints masterpieces.
Till next time.
Patience is painful but it pays off with the person we become. I’m glad this article speaks of an aspect that is so important for growth yet so neglected by most.
This is a wonderful piece of writing. It’s flowing, indeed God uses patience as a tool, you miss on it you miss the rewards. Keep writing my brother. God bless you.